£67m boost for elderly care

The government is investing £67 million to improve the standard of care homes across England.

The standards would include a zero tolerance attitude to abuse of the elderly, and a network of local champions of dignity - volunteers to raise the profile of dignity in care.

Money would also be spent by local authorities to improve the physical environment of care homes and make them fit for purpose.

The investment has been welcomed by charities, Help the Aged and Age Concern, but both wanted to see a long-term commitment to achieve real change. Other groups urged that money not be diverted into other areas.